AOL Launches Open AIM 2.0, Opening up Network

Boston (dbTechno) - AOL has announced the launch of their Open AIM 2.0. This promotes further the OpenAIM initiative to allow developers to build their own AIM based clients. This allows them to create third-party applications for use on web sites, as well as with other instant messaging services such as Yahoo or eBuddy.

Open AIM launched back in 2006, allowing developers to unify instant messaging services under one application. Open AIM 2.0 offers free SDKs as well as APIs for chat services outside of AOL.

Open AIM 2.0 is going to make things a bit easier for developers. They are giving open documenattion on its core OSCAR protocol, basically what makes AIM work.

Open AIM 2.o also allows developers to build IM clients that support AIM, as well as other IM services such as Yahoo, Microsoft, etc.

The senior vice president of AOL, David Liu, stated “Our mission for AIM is to facilitate the world’s online, real-time conversations. We are giving developers the tools and the flexibility they desire to build innovative and meaningful applications around instant messaging for Web users around the globe. In addition, third-party developers can also buildi custom software designed for enterprise, as well as regulate users, who access the AIM messaging network from cell phones.”

They have also enabled both PHP and Adobe Flash to ease development as well.

AOL hopes to garner revnue from this through advertising soon.